Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Teenage Mia

Anyone else think a lot about what their children will be like when they are teenagers?

I do.

I also think it has a lot to do with the fact that I'm a girl mom and I know how teenage girls can be, ahem, during those "interesting" and awkward years.

I was reminded of this yet again this morning on my way into work. Behind me was a mother and her 12ish year old daughter. The mother, very stoic, not happy, not sad, just pretty complacent however possibly annoyed. The daughter, on the edge of the side of her seat, as closest to the window and as far away from her mother as possible. Head down, resting on her fist, looking all sorts of cranky, likely texting or tweeting or facebooking about all things important to a teenager at 7:00 in the morning.

It got me thinking....once again....

Those years. What will they be like for me as a mother? Will I drink more wine than I already do just to survive (kinding....kind of)? Should it even be approached with the notion that it will be difficult and trying? Isn't parenthood always difficult and trying?

We see kids grow and develop into young adults and that cycle of development and growing into a "real" human intrigues me. The trials and tribulations and life experiences and support systems and families that create who these kids become is amazing. For those of us who had a strong foundation and support system growing up worked out well (for most of us), but for those that struggled with family connection and that support in their day to day lives can still struggle, even as adults in finding who they are and more importantly, accepting who they are. Seeing this first hand through some of my own personal relationships always makes me conscious of doing my best to ensure we create that support and love for Mia. Always.

I'm an observer of people and behavior and I like to analyze. I always have been and it has a lot to do with why I chose to work towards a undergrad and Masters degree in Education in my first life career.

I never had much of an issue with either my Mom or Dad growing up, especially in my teenie bopper years. I'm sure I had my not so shining moments, but I've seen it in other families, I saw it with my sisters.

What will Mia be like? What will be the name of the boy band? What will the must have clothes be? Will she still want to hang out with Mom? Will she be begging for all things - cell phone, Facebook page, etc.? Will social media still be what it is today? Will she still be attached to my leg from the moment I get home from work until the moment I tuck her into bed (likely no, but I love her "attachy" self). How will she feel about her Daddy?

We are just about a month away from Mia officially becoming 2 and a 1/2. How did this happen? That was the fastest 2 and a 1/2 years of my life. It goes so fast just like everyone says, especially once you have kids.

Maybe I think a lot about it because some days I feel like I will blink and she'll be 13.

It's just another reminder to embrace all the moments that we can because the reality is she won't be my shadow forever.

My Dad posted this on his Facebook page a few weeks ago and I loved it.

Who's That Girl?

I'm a full-time working mommy to two adorable little girls, wife, sister, daughter, aunt and cousin. Trying to balance parenthood, wifehood and a full time career in real estate. Lover of all things that involve my family, wine, the spa, a good mani/pedi and of course, St. Louis Cardinals baseball. My Midwest world is busy, but I'm learning to embrace the chaos. Follow me along on my journey through the ins and outs of my daily routine. I'm talking all things family, friends and mostly random happenings and thoughts. It's a crazy train, but I wouldn't have it any other way!